What Are the Heroic Contributions of Operation Sindoor Honorees?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan.
- 127 gallantry medals were awarded, including four Kirti Chakras.
- The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Two Agniveers received gallantry medals for the first time.
- Indian Air Force successfully executed strikes on key targets.
New Delhi, Aug 15 (NationPress) The Indian government has awarded gallantry medals to numerous military personnel for their significant contributions during Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir three months ago.
The medals will be officially presented during the Independence Day celebrations on Friday, honoring their courage and valor in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent counterstrikes.
Among the 127 gallantry medals and 40 distinguished service awards approved by the President on the eve of the 79th Independence Day are four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, and several others, as detailed by the Defence Ministry.
The Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime honor, has been awarded to soldiers who displayed exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor, which was India's direct response to the Pahalgam terror strike that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.
The Vir Chakra recipients include Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, and several others, with all Indian Air Force (IAF) honorees being pilots.
The Defence Ministry refrained from releasing detailed citations for the military awardees.
The Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras, which are India's second and third-highest peacetime gallantry awards, are not connected to Operation Sindoor.
The bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry) and Sena Medals (Gallantry) were awarded for both Operation Sindoor and counter-terrorism efforts, according to sources.
For the first time, two Agniveers received the Sena Medal (Gallantry).
Multiple medals, including Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), were granted for contributions in Operation Sindoor.
Among the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal awardees are high-ranking officials such as Northern Army commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma and others.
The Kirti Chakra was bestowed upon Captain Lalrinawwa Sailo and others.
The President also sanctioned 290 Mention-in-Despatches.
Operation Sindoor commenced in the early hours of May 7, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack. Indian forces bombed nine camps, resulting in significant terrorist casualties.
The targets included various locations in Pakistan, with the IAF striking several military bases.
During retaliatory strikes, India’s air defense successfully intercepted multiple aerial attacks.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that Operation Sindoor symbolizes India's modern military strategy.
The triumph of Operation Sindoor will be acknowledged during the Independence Day ceremony, with visual tributes planned.
Indian air defenses reportedly downed multiple Pakistani combat jets during the conflict.
Notably, the sons of former IAF chiefs are among the decorated heroes of Operation Sindoor.
Two Agniveers were also recognized for their roles, showcasing the evolving face of India's military.